Can the Gunnison sage grouse fly?

Is there a sage grouse in the Gunnison?

Gunnison Sage-Grouse Lisa Lynch/NPS The Gunnison Sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) is a newly named species native to the Gunnison Basin and surrounding areas, recognized by the American Ornithological Union in 2000 as a separate species. It was formerly classified as part of the Greater Sage-grouse species (Centrocercus urophasianus).

What happened to the sage-grouse in the Gunnison Basin?

The sage-grouse in the Gunnison Basin, including those in and around Curecanti National Recreation Area, account for the majority of these birds (88%). Gunnison sage-grouse populations are believed to have declined by more than 60% since the 1950’s, based on historic count and hunting harvest counts.

What is the difference between a sage grouse and a sage-grouse?

The Gunnison Sage-grouse is about 2/3 the size of the Greater Sage-grouse, has different coloration of tail feathers and a distinct mating ritual. Since the 1970’s, researchers have been aware of the differences between the two birds.

Where do sage-grouse live in the United States?

Gunnison sage-grouse are found specifically in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah within seven isolated subpopulations (pictured below). Unfortunately, the Gunnison sage-grouse only occupy 7-10% of their historic range.

What’s the difference between sage-grouse and Gunnison sage-grouse?

What’s the difference between the two birds? Well, the most obvious differences are the morphological ones—Gunnison sage-grouse are smaller, only two-thirds the size of greater sage-grouse. They also have different banding patterns on their tail feathers as well as more prominent ponytail feathers (which scientists call “filoplumes”).

What is the habitat of the Gunnison sage grouse?

Like all sage grouse, the Gunnison species rely on wide-open, intact habitat dominated by sagebrush, the plants that provide food and cover for the birds year-round. Gunnison sage-grouse are found specifically in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah within seven isolated subpopulations (pictured below).

When did people first discover two species of sage grouse?

Photo right by Alan Krakauer. When did people first discover two different species of sage grouse? Lewis and Clark were the first to document sage grouse during their exploration of the West in 1806.

What do you know about sharp-tailed grouse?

Inflatable neck sac: Sharp-tailed Grouse males have an inflatable sac on each side of the neck that is displayed when courting on leks. They are purplish colored on Sharp-tailed Grouse.

What kind of grouse are there in the US?

Sage Grouse Greater Sage-grouse Gunnison Sage-grouse Prairie Grouse Sharp-tailed Grouse Alaska sharp-tailed grouse Columbian sharp-tailed grouse Northwestern sharp-tailed grouse Northern sharp-tailed grouse Plains sharp-tailed grouse Prairie sharp-tailed grouse Greater Prairie-chicken

What does a sage-grouse look like?

Get Instant ID help for 650+ North American birds. The Gunnison Sage-Grouse is a large grouse with a chubby, round body, small head, and long tail. Males change shape dramatically when they display, becoming almost spherical as they puff up their chest, droop their wings, and fan their tail into a starburst.

What is the scientific name of the sage grouse?

The Gunnison Sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) is a newly named species native to the Gunnison Basin and surrounding areas, recognized by the American Ornithological Union in 2000 as a separate species. It was formerly classified as part of the Greater Sage-grouse species (Centrocercus urophasianus).

Where can I See Sage Grouse in Colorado?

Gunnison Sage-Grouse are restricted to western Colorado and eastern Utah; they number about 5,000 and are federally threatened. The best way to see Gunnison Sage-Grouse is at a lek site—but be aware that sage-grouse are extremely sensitive to disturbance.

Where do sage grouse lizards live?

In the east, they live from southern Alberta and Saskatchewan down through Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. Young sage grouses eat more insects, and gradually move over to an herbivorous diet. Their favorite food is sagebrush, but they also eat dandelion, and a variety of grasses.

What kind of tail does a ruffed grouse have?

Ruffed Grouse are intricately patterned with dark bars and spots on either a reddish-brown or grayish background. Dark bars down the side of the neck continue and widen on the belly. The tail is finely barred, with one wide, black band near the tip.

What is the habitat of the sharp tailed grouse?

In general Sharp-tailed Grouse in northern populations, which are found in bogs and brushy openings in the boreal forest, are darker, almost blackish, with more spotted upperparts, than birds in southern populations, which occur in open prairie habitats. A subspecies known as hueyi, from northeastern New Mexico, is now extinct.

What kind of grouse are there in Alaska?

Prairie Grouse Sharp-tailed Grouse Alaska sharp-tailed grouse Columbian sharp-tailed grouse Northwestern sharp-tailed grouse Northern sharp-tailed grouse Plains sharp-tailed grouse Prairie sharp-tailed grouse Greater Prairie-chicken Attwater’s Prairie-chicken (considered by some to be distinct from the Greater Heath Hen (extinct)

What does a starburst grouse look like?

Large grouse that fans its tail into a starburst when displaying and inflates 2 yellow air sacs in the chest. Large chubby grouse with a small head and long tail that is fanned into a starburst when displaying. Males also inflate 2 yellow air sacs like round balloons while displaying.

How do you tell the difference between male and female grouse?

Males spread their tail into a starburst and inflate yellow air sacs in the chest when displaying, giving them a bizarre appearance. Females are much more subdued in appearance; they gather to closely inspect displaying males before mating. Large grouse that fans its tail into a starburst when displaying and inflates 2 yellow air sacs in the chest.

What is the scientific name of a grouse bird?

Grouse are part of the order Galliformes and the family Phasianidae. The bird’s scientific name is Tetraoninae. This name comes from the Latin word tetrao-, meaning “a kind of gamebird” and -idae, from the ancient Greek term for “appearance.”

When is the best time of year to visit Sage grouse leks?

• Late April is the best time to visit leks because most breeding is complete but the males are still actively strutting. Colorado: Conservation Colorado offers sage grouse tours March 28th to April 13th in NW Colorado out of Craig. They fill up fast. What: Fully guided Greater Sage Grouse lek watch – Only 14 people per trip.

Where can I go birding in Colorado?

The Colorado Birding Trail is a large-scale initiative that identifies prime birding areas in Colorado, both public and private, where visitors can see the state’s beautiful birds. Grab your binoculars and follow the call of the wild with this sampling of birding trails.

What is the difference between a sage grouse and a prairie chicken?

The Gunnison sage-grouse is much rarer and only located in a small area of southwestern Colorado, while the greater and lesser prairie-chickens are in the northeastern and southeastern corners of the state, respectively.

Can you see sage grouse in Colorado on your own?

Since sage grouse are very sensitive to disturbance, several tour opportunities are available that assure the sage grouse will be safe from people coming too close and to provide stellar viewing opportunities. There’s also a watchable wildlife site where you can go on your own in Colorado, as long as you adhere to all the ethical precautions.

What does a ruffed grouse tail look like?

The vast majority of ruffed grouse have a black tail band and a black ruff of feathers around the neck. Approximately five percent have a tail band and ruff that are bronze or chocolate in color. Tail band and ruff coloration is independent of color phase.